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Flat Rock Scorpion | Daily Animal Facts

Animal profile

Flat Rock Scorpion

Hadogenes troglodytes

ArachnidaNarrow horizontal cracks in rock outcrops and boulder fields in dry southern African savanna

Field profile

The flat rock scorpion is the longest scorpion in the world, with males exceeding 20 centimetres largely because of an extremely elongated tail. Its body is extraordinarily flattened for wedging into rock crevices. Its venom is mild and it relies on grip and armour instead.

Scope note

This is an editorial profile, not a diagnostic field-identification guide or a substitute for current conservation assessments. Follow the cited sources on each fact for the evidence trail.

Published field notes

2025-02-22

Flat Rock Scorpion

The longest scorpion is also among the least venomous

Hadogenes troglodytes holds the record for length, driven by a whip-thin tail that in males can exceed the body. That tail is a poor weapon: the species has weak venom, hunts by crushing, and defends itself by wedging immovably into rock.

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